1137-1137 Travel Guide

Ras Mohammed National Park protects the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where the Gulf of Suez meets the Gulf of Aqaba. Nutrient-rich currents feed dazzling reefs among the world's finest, while inland lie quake fissures, salt lakes and mangroves—a full day of Red Sea wonder.

Dahab's Blue Hole is one of the Red Sea's most famous dive sites: a circular sinkhole just offshore, over a hundred metres deep, whose archway tunnel to the open sea draws technical divers. Snorkellers can enjoy vivid reefs along the rim, while clifftop cafés gaze down on the deep blue circle.

Tiran Island guards the strait where the Gulf of Aqaba meets the Red Sea — a protected isle off Sinai. Ringed by coral reefs and famed shipwreck dive sites, its water is crystal clear, a pristine, top spot for both snorkelling and deep diving in the Red Sea. Around it, reefs like Jackson and Thomas teem with fish — among the Red Sea's richest biodiversity.

St. Catherine's Monastery is an ancient, famous Christian (Orthodox) monastery at the foot of Mount Sinai. One of the oldest continuously used Christian monasteries in the world, rich in history and faith, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site—a sacred, precious place on the Sinai Peninsula. Built in the 6th century at the foot of holy Mount Sinai (near where Moses is said to have seen the Burning Bush), it has lasted about 1,500 years and is among the oldest existing, still-operating Christian monasteries—of the highest religious and historical status. It is precious not only for its age but for its rich religious heritage: a relic believed to be the "Burning Bush" (where God appeared to Moses), a great collection of precious ancient icon paintings (Byzantine-style, among the world's most important and oldest), and a famous library of ancient manuscripts (said second only to the Vatican). Miraculously preserved through history, it long coexisted peacefully with surrounding Islam (it even has a mosque inside)—unique in meaning. Visitors may (when open) see the accessible parts. Visiting it is a unique experience of history and faith (dress modestly, respect the faith).